Image from the Humboldt Community Challenge Facebook page.

Press release from the Humboldt Community Challenge organizers:

Today, on what’s come to be known as “Giving Tuesday,” marks the start of the “Humboldt Community Challenge,” an effort to bring attention, money and support to local organizations. Inspired by conversations following the recent presidential elections, organizers hope to make a tangible difference for area nonprofits by encouraging local residents to take the following four steps:
 
1. Choose a local nonprofit organization that calls to you. 
2. Make a monetary gift in your own name – or in the name of someone you care about (or even in the name of someone whose views you reject!).
3. Commit two-to-five hours of volunteer time with that organization. 
4. Share your experience through Facebook and Instagram using #humboldtcommunitychallenge and encouraging others to take part.
 
Campaign creator and Blue Lake resident Alanna Powell said, “With all the change we’ve experienced over the past month, now more than ever we feel a collective need to protect the values we hold dear in our hearts.” Toward that goal, the Humboldt Community Challenge “is here to connect, encourage and empower locals to reach out with helping hands to the many organizations that work tirelessly for these shared values.” The Challenge has no religious or political ties, Powell said, “just a strong belief that the more the community is involved, the better Humboldt will be for ourselves and our children.”
 
Arcata City Councilmember Sofia Pereira supported the effort noting, “Our community is rich with generosity and kindness. Let’s support some of these local organizations that make a difference in our lives and our neighbors’ lives every single day.”
 
Local elected official Natalie Arroyo also spoke in favor of the campaign. “In Humboldt,” she said, “we are a community that shares many common values. We love living in a place that supports our health and that of our loved ones. As a rural region we know we have to look out for our neighbors, and we have long been a place of solace for people who are different.” This holiday season, Arroyo continued, “it is my dearest wish that our community come together and stand behind these values in direct and meaningful ways. Supporting organizations that do compassionate and courageous work here is one key way to truly do this.”
 
Participants can sign up online and follow the Humboldt Community Challenge on Facebook and Instagram.
 
Echoing a theme that arose during the presidential campaigns, Powell encouraged, “Let’s grab back – not with anger, but with strong hearts and willing hands. Take the challenge. Get involved. Share your story.”